Direction (Q46. to Q50.) Read the given passage carefully and answer following five questions: India has 640,867 villages according to the Census 2011 out of which 597,608 (93.2 per cent) are inhabited villages. However, the distribution of rural population is not uniform throughout the country. You might have noted that the states, like Bihar and Sikkim have very high percentage of rural population. The states of Goa and Maharashtra have only little over half of their total population residing in villages. The Union Territories, on the other hand, have smaller proportion of rural population, except Dadra and Nagar Haveli (53.38 per cent). The size of villages also varies considerably. It is less than 200 persons in the hill states of north-eastern India, Western Rajasthan and Rann of Kachchh and as high as 17 thousand persons in the states of Kerala and in parts of Maharashtra. A thorough examination of the pattern of distribution of rural population of India reveals that both at intra-State and inter-State levels, the relative degree of urbanization and extent of rural-urban migration regulate the concentration of rural population. You have noted that contrary to rural population, the proportion of urban population (31.16 per cent) in India is quite low but it is showing a much faster rate of growth over the decades. The growth rate of urban population has accelerated due to enhanced economic development and improvement in health and hygienic conditions. The distribution of urban population too, as in the case of total population, has a wide variation throughout the country. Which one of the following is not a reason to accelerate the urbanization?
Clean air
Understanding Urbanization Factors in India
The provided passage discusses the distribution of rural and urban populations in India based on the Census 2011 data. It highlights the uneven distribution of rural population across states and Union Territories and the considerable variation in village size. Crucially, the passage notes that while the proportion of urban population is relatively low, it is growing at a faster rate. It explicitly mentions reasons for this accelerated urban growth.
Analyzing Reasons for Accelerated Urbanization
The question asks to identify which of the given options is not a reason for accelerated urbanization according to the passage. Let's examine each option in light of the information provided in the text.
- Option 1: Improvement in health conditions
The passage states, "The growth rate of urban population has accelerated due to enhanced economic development and improvement in health and hygienic conditions." This directly mentions improvement in health conditions as a factor accelerating urban population growth. Therefore, this is a reason according to the passage.
- Option 2: Better employment opportunities
The passage mentions "enhanced economic development" as a cause for accelerated urban growth. Enhanced economic development often leads to better employment opportunities in urban areas, which in turn attracts rural populations (as hinted by the mention of rural-urban migration regulating population concentration). While "better employment opportunities" is not explicitly written, it is strongly implied by "enhanced economic development" in the context of urbanization and migration. Thus, it is a plausible reason linked to the passage's content.
- Option 3: Good education infrastructure
The passage discusses population distribution, village size, rural-urban migration, economic development, and health/hygiene conditions as factors related to population growth and concentration. However, it does not mention education infrastructure as a reason for accelerated urbanization.
- Option 4: Clean air
The passage lists "enhanced economic development and improvement in health and hygienic conditions" as reasons for accelerated urban population growth. It does not mention clean air as a factor contributing to accelerated urbanization.
Identifying the Factor Not Accelerating Urbanization
Based on the analysis of the passage, the reasons explicitly mentioned or strongly implied for accelerated urbanization are enhanced economic development (leading to implied employment opportunities) and improvement in health and hygienic conditions. Neither good education infrastructure nor clean air is mentioned in the passage as a factor contributing to the accelerated growth rate of the urban population.
Comparing options 3 and 4, both are not mentioned in the passage. However, the provided correct answer text is "Clean air". Therefore, according to the information presented and the given options, clean air is the factor that is not presented as a reason for accelerated urbanization in the passage.
Conclusion
According to the provided passage, enhanced economic development and improvement in health and hygienic conditions are factors accelerating the growth rate of the urban population. Clean air is not mentioned as one of these factors.
The final answer is Clean air.
| Reason for Urbanization (as per options) | Mentioned/Implied in Passage? | Accelerates Urbanization? |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement in health conditions | Yes (explicitly) | Yes |
| Better employment opportunities | Yes (implied by enhanced economic development) | Yes |
| Good education infrastructure | No | Not mentioned |
| Clean air | No | Not mentioned |
Revision Table: Key Urbanization Concepts
| Concept | Description | Relevance to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Urbanization | The process by which urban areas grow and the proportion of a population living in urban areas increases. | The passage discusses the proportion and growth rate of India's urban population. |
| Rural Population | The part of the population living in villages or rural areas. | The passage provides data on India's rural population and its distribution. |
| Rural-Urban Migration | The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas. | Mentioned as a factor regulating population concentration. |
| Economic Development | The process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people. | Mentioned as a factor accelerating urban population growth. |
| Health and Hygienic Conditions | The state of health services and cleanliness in an area. | Mentioned as a factor accelerating urban population growth. |
Additional Information on Urbanization in India
Urbanization in India is a significant demographic trend. It is driven by various factors, often categorized into 'push' factors from rural areas and 'pull' factors from urban areas. Push factors might include lack of opportunities, poor living conditions, or agricultural distress in villages. Pull factors, on the other hand, are attractions offered by cities, such as better job prospects, higher wages, access to better healthcare and education, improved infrastructure, and diverse entertainment options.
While economic development and health improvements are key drivers, as mentioned in the passage, other factors also play a role. These can include social factors (like seeking social mobility), political factors (like governance and infrastructure development in cities), and technological advancements (improving connectivity and information access).
The rapid rate of urbanization also brings challenges, such as pressure on infrastructure (housing, water, sanitation, transport), environmental issues (pollution, waste management), and social issues (poverty, slums, crime). Understanding the drivers of urbanization is crucial for planning and managing urban growth effectively.
Important Questions from Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
Which country officially proclaimed the Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the measure of development?
Read the urban strategy priorities outlined by the United Nations Development Programme carefully.
(A) Upgrading energy use and alternative transport systems.
(B) Increasing shelter and employment for all urban people.
(C) Improving womenandrsquo;s access to basic services and government facilities.
(D) Reducing air pollution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have very low Human Development Index. Which one could be the most important reason?
Large iron and steel industry is traditionally located in the areas of _____ availability.
Mini steel mills are located _____.
